Winter is on its last legs in NYC. We’re not out of the woods just yet, but warmer weather is on the way. And when it gets here, there are few more pleasant ways to spend a day than a stroll through Chinatown. Who can resist the lure of dim sum, bubble tea, the impossible mix of shops along Canal Street, and the plaintive tones of Chinese musicians in Columbus Park? After your energizing walk through this bustling neighborhood, you may be in the mood for a sumptuous, upscale meal. For that, we’d like to suggest three absolutely stellar eateries in the area. They are truly world class, and you’ll find them right around the corner from the One Manhattan Square condos.
Shabu Shabu Macoron | 61 Delancey Street
It’s not very often that a dining experience is literally one of a kind, but Shabu Shabu Macoron is the only restaurant on the planet that serves shabu shabu omakase. (Omakase is a style of ordering at Japanese restaurants where customers leave it up to the chef to select what is served.) Shabu shabu, as owner, mastermind, and chef Mako Okano describes it, is “a kind of Japanese hot pot with meat and vegetables lightly boiled in a subtle broth, and served with sauces, such as ponzu and sesame.” The process is precise and delicate, and it brings out the natural flavor and aroma of the ingredients. The food here is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. It’s silky, buttery, and bursting with flavor. And the dining experience itself is second to none. It’s quaint and intimate. There are only eight seats in Shabu Shabu Macoron, and a chef prepares multiple courses for each seating right in front of the guests. You definitely have to make a reservation, because spots fill up fast.
Tang Hotpot | 135 Bowery
Along the same lines of Shabu Shabu Macoron, Tang Hotpot, as is evident by the name, also uses hot pots, but these are Sichuan style. They serve six different types of world-class beef, including Miyazaki Kobe, American Wagyu, and USDA Prime. Guests cook their own meat, but most of Tang’s selections are so delicate and lean, they only need 12 to 15 seconds of cooking time. The setting is intimate and serene, the service is wonderful, and the food is of the highest quality and incredibly fresh.
Uchu | 217 Eldridge Street
Rounding out our trifecta is the acclaimed sushi restaurant Uchu. This is not your typical neighborhood sushi spot. Uchu is decidedly high-end, with prix fixe menus that take you on a culinary tour of rare and unique seafood selections. Similar to Shabu Shabu Macoron, seating is very limited — only 10 diners at a time. Chef Eiji Ichimura takes great care to ensure every customer leaves with an experience they won’t soon forget. Ichimura is meticulous in his preparation and his attention to detail comes through in every bite. If you’re looking for a sushi restaurant to celebrate the coming of spring, you can’t do much better than Uchu.